Who Has Your Personal Information?

Few people even suspect how much of their personal information is available in numerous public and private databases. Read on to learn about some of the ways this information is collected, traded and sold - often without an individual's knowledge or consent.

Specialty reports - are used by companies that may be considering offering you a job, renting you an apartment or providing you with an insurance policy. These companies feel a need to assess their “risk” in dealing with you - by using specialized “consumer reports” to find out more about you.

A credit report is a record of your credit and loan activities -- how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. It contains your name and any name variations, your address, and previous addresses, telephone number (including unlisted number), Social Security number, year and month of birth, and employment information. Learn how to understand your credit report and make corrections to inaccuracies.

Public and government records can be accessed by anyone - including future employers - without your knowledge or consent. Find out what might be included in these public records.

Online information brokers comb through public records for personal information - including your name, address, and even your Social Security number! - and sell this information online at minimal costs.

The CLUE report and the insurance scoring system are tools insurers use to decide your risk profile, that is, how likely you are to file a claim against your policy. Find out what insurance companies know about you.